Results 12,261-12,280 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: Since January 1997, 21 bodies were set up under the remit of my Department, one of which was abolished. The following table lists these bodies and the date they were established. Name of Body Date Established Euro Changeover Board of Ireland May 19981 Special EU Programmes Body Dec 1999 Public Service Benchmarking Body Jul 2000 National Pensions Reserve Fund Apr 20012 National...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I note the Deputy's continuing interest in this area, which involves trying to close the timescale between not necessarily the ratification but rather the adoption of or agreement in respect of certain conventions and their transposition, where appropriate, into national law. As a former Minister, he will be aware that in light of the issues that take priority in Departments, these matters...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The Deputy will also be aware that ministerial colleagues on many occasions give other legislation a higher priority. The Deputy also inquired about the prevention of corruption amendment Bill, which is designed to strengthen the law in the context of preventing the bribery of foreign public officials, combating corruption in the private sector and establishing an officials compliance...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill have been approved and it is expected to be published this session. Perhaps the debate on the Bill will enable the Deputy to elicit the more detailed information he is seeking in respect of the instruments to which he refers. The Deputy raised this matter on a number of previous occasions. There has been some improvement in the number of instruments that have been...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate when the pharmacy Bill will be taken. However, it is hoped that every effort will continue to provide a framework within which matters can be resolved in a satisfactory manner to ensure that we avoid any interruption of the provision of services. Goodwill will be required on both sides to achieve that objective.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It will be mid or late summer of next year before the Bill is prepared. It is a large undertaking.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: PPPs are part of the public capital programme. A robust framework is in place to ensure that they are used, where appropriate and where it makes sense to employ them. Decisions in respect of them are made on a case-by-case basis. They can be considered in the context of some very heavy front-loading of capital expenditure, particularly in respect of major transport projects. This is a...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: That is a matter for the Whips to consider in the first instance. With regard to Deputy Byrne's earlier point, I understand that another debate on the misuse of drugs will take place in the House next week. That debate will afford her with a further opportunity to make her view known.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7b, motion re establishment of Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children; No. 7c, motion re appointment of Members to committee; and No. 11, statements on climate change and energy security. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) Nos. 7b and 7c shall be decided without debate; (2) the proceedings on No. 11 shall, if...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: There is no specific debate promised in the House but there is a debate taking place on pensions arising from the detailed actuarial reviews and the Green Paper on pensions. As many as 32 written submissions have been forwarded to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on foot of publication of that important document. There were over 2,000 hits on the website, which demonstrates...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The purpose of Parliament is not exclusively to deal with legislation. In many cases, one could talk about over-regulated areas in the economy. In my honest opinion, the question of the consolidation and repeal of legislation should be as much a part of the agenda as the issue of introducing more legislation. I do not believe in relegating important debates in plenary session when there...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: If there has been an example of the successful modernisation of the country it has been in the financial services sector. This party is very proud to have been the author and implementer of that policy which has resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of well paid jobs in this country and enhanced our reputation internationally as a place in which to do business. The financial...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is true that the Deputy has always been a proponent of holding more debates in the House, yet there are members on the Opposition benches who would regard the holding of more debates in the House as in some way a dereliction of the duty of the House and consider that we should have more legislation all the time. When the Opposition co-ordinates its position, it will help us figure out...
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It was predictable.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is not normal practice to publish the advice of the Attorney General to the Government on any matter. This applied to Governments supported by the Deputy.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: There has not been a formal discussion or formal advice provided for the Government but the Taoiseach has indicated, subject to the formal advice being provided, that it is likely a referendum will be held, based on previous experience and case law. A formal decision has yet to be taken.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I cannot provide an answer this morning. It is not on the list but I will attempt to convey a reply to the Deputy.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: That was introduced by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle when Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It had the full and unambiguous support of Government Members at the time but things change.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: Regarding the electricity Bill, it is unlikely to make progress anytime soon. Work is continuing on the preparation of the heads of the Bill but they have not been discussed yet.
- Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The Health Information Bill will provide a legislative framework for the governance of information in the health sector. Work has commenced on the drafting of a discussion document in preparation for the regulatory impact analysis and public consultation on the proposal. The matter is at a preliminary stage. Regarding the Electricity Regulation (EirGrid)(Amendment) Bill which will provide...